Heart valve repair method

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a heart valve repair method, comprising: advancing a distal end of a suture implanting apparatus from an outside of a body through a transapical approach into a left ventricle or a right ventricle of a heart; holding each leaflet of a heart valve with the distal end of the suture implanting apparatus; implanting at least one suture into the leaflet; withdrawing the suture implanting apparatus from the body; advancing a distal end of a suture locking apparatus from the outside of a body through a transapical approach into the corresponding left ventricle or the corresponding right ventricle; using the suture locking apparatus to lock the plurality of sutures; and withdrawing the suture locking apparatus from the body. The heart valve repair method has a simple surgical procedure, a low degree of patient trauma, and a high success rate of surgery.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/051,218, entitled “HEART VALVE REPAIR METHOD”, filed on Jul.31, 2018, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No.201710640936.4, entitled “Artificial chordae tendineae and artificialchordae tendineae implanting system”, filed on Jul. 31, 2017, andChinese Patent Application No. 201810588221.3, entitled “ADJUSTABLEHEART VALVE REPAIR SYSTEM”, filed on Jun. 8, 2018, all of which arehereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure belongs to a field of medical appliances, and relates toa method for repairing a heart valve defect, and in particular relatesto a heart valve repair method.

BACKGROUND

A mitral valve is a one-way “valve” between a left atrium and a leftventricle that ensures blood flow from the left atrium to the leftventricle. The mitral valve consists of two valve leaflets, an anteriorleaflet and a posterior leaflet. When the left ventricle is in adiastolic state, the anterior leaflet and the posterior leaflet areapart from each other, and the blood flows from the left atrium to theleft ventricle. When the left ventricle is in a contracted state, thechordae tendineae are stretched to ensure that the leaflets will not bewashed by the blood flow to a side of the left atrium. FIGS. 1 a and 1 bshow a normal healthy mitral valve with the anterior leaflet and theposterior leaflet closed to ensure blood flow from the left ventriclethrough an aortic valve to an aorta. The mitral valve shown in FIG. 2 aand FIG. 2 b has lesions. When the left ventricle is in the contractedstate, the mitral valve cannot return to a close state as in a normalstate, and the momentum of the blood flow will further cause the leafletto fall into the left atrium, causing blood regurgitation, called“mitral valve regurgitation”. Similarly, a tricuspid valve ensures bloodcirculation from a right atrium to a right ventricle. When the tricuspidvalve cannot return to a close state as in a normal state, “tricuspidregurgitation” occurs.

At present, surgically implanted sutures or edge-to-edge repair are usedto treat mitral regurgitation or tricuspid regurgitation. All thesesurgerys require invasive thoracotomy and general anesthesia, moderatehypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass as an auxiliary support. There aredefects such as complicated surgical procedure, high surgical cost, highpatient trauma, high risk of complications, long hospital stay, painfulrecovery process and the like.

SUMMARY

The technical problem to be solved by the present disclosure is toprovide a heart valve repair method rooting for the above-mentioneddefects in the prior art. At least one suture is firstly implanted ineach leaflet of the mitral or tricuspid valve. The multiple sutures arethen fixed together to pull the leaflets of the mitral or tricuspidvalve toward each other, reducing or eliminating the gap between themitral or tricuspid valve, to treat the mitral regurgitation or thetricuspid regurgitation. The heart valve repair method of the presentdisclosure is particularly suitable for transapical minimally invasivesurgery, which has simple surgical procedure, lower operation cost,lower patient trauma, lower risk of complications, and rapid recoveryprocess.

The technical solution adopted by the present disclosure to solve itstechnical problems is:

A heart valve repair method, applied to a heart valve repair system, theheart valve repair system comprising a plurality of sutures and a sutureimplanting apparatus; the heart valve repair method comprising:

advancing a distal end of the suture implanting apparatus from anoutside of a body through a transapical approach into a left ventricleor a right ventricle of a heart;

holding each leaflet of a heart valve with the distal end of the sutureimplanting apparatus, and implanting at least one suture into theleaflet; and

withdrawing the distal end of the suture implanting apparatus from thebody.

A heart valve repair method, applied to a heart valve repair system, theheart valve repair system comprising a plurality of sutures and a sutureimplanting apparatus, at least one end of each suture being providedwith at least one fixing member respectively, the suture implantingapparatus comprising a capturing assembly, a puncturing assembly, and apushing shaft, the pushing shaft axially defining a plurality of lumens,the puncturing assembly and the capturing assembly being movablyreceived in different lumens of the pushing shaft, the capturingassembly comprising a capturing rod, a distal clamp and a proximalclamp, the plurality of sutures being received in the capturing rod andextending out from the distal clamp, the puncturing assembly comprisinga puncturing needle and a puncturing rod coupled to a proximal end ofthe puncturing needle, the heart valve repair method comprising:

advancing a distal end of the suture implanting apparatus from anoutside of a body through a transapical approach into a left ventricleor a right ventricle of a heart;

pushing the capturing rod to separate the distal clamp from the proximalclamp and holding each leaflet of a heart valve using the distal clampand the proximal clamp;

pushing the puncturing rod to drive the puncturing needle to puncturethe leaflet and couple to the corresponding fixing member of the sutureafter puncturing through the leaflet;

withdrawing the puncturing rod to drive the fixing member and the suturethrough the leaflet to implant the suture into the leaflet; and

withdrawing the distal end of the suture implanting apparatus from thebody.

A heart valve repair method, applied to a heart valve repair system, theheart valve repair system comprising a plurality of sutures, a sutureimplanting apparatus, and a suture locking apparatus; the heart valverepair method comprising:

advancing a distal end of the suture implanting apparatus from anoutside of a body through a transapical approach into a left ventricleor a right ventricle of a heart;

holding each leaflet of a heart valve with the distal end of the sutureimplanting apparatus, and implanting at least one suture into theleaflet;

withdrawing the distal end of the suture implanting apparatus from thebody;

advancing a distal end of the suture locking apparatus from the outsidethrough the transapical approach into the corresponding left ventricleor the corresponding right ventricle;

using the distal end of the suture locking apparatus to lock theplurality of sutures in the corresponding left ventricle or thecorresponding right ventricle; and

withdrawing the distal end of the suture locking apparatus from thebody.

A heart valve repair method, applied to a heart valve repair system, theheart valve repair system comprising a plurality of sutures, a sutureimplanting apparatus and a suture locking apparatus, at least one end ofthe suture being provided with at least one fixing member respectively,the suture implanting apparatus comprising a capturing assembly, apuncturing assembly, and a pushing shaft, the pushing shaft axiallydefining a plurality of lumens, the puncturing assembly and thecapturing assembly being movably received in different lumens of thepushing shaft, the capturing assembly comprising a capturing rod, adistal clamp and a proximal clamp, the plurality of sutures beingreceived in the capturing rod and extending out from the distal clamp,the puncturing assembly comprising a puncturing needle and a puncturingrod coupled to a proximal end of the puncturing needle, the heart valverepair method comprising:

advancing a distal end of the suture implanting apparatus from anoutside of a body through a transapical approach into a left ventricleor a right ventricle of a heart;

pushing the capturing rod to separate the distal clamp from the proximalclamp and holding each leaflet of a heart valve using the distal clampand the proximal clamp;

pushing the puncturing rod to drive the puncturing needle to puncturethe leaflet and couple to the corresponding fixing member of the sutureafter puncturing through the leaflet;

withdrawing the puncturing rod to drive the fixing member and the suturethrough the leaflet to implant the suture into the leaflet;

withdrawing the distal end of the suture implanting apparatus from thebody;

advancing a distal end of the suture locking apparatus from the outsideof the body through the transapical approach into the corresponding leftventricle or the corresponding right ventricle;

using the distal end of the suture locking apparatus to lock theplurality of sutures in the corresponding left ventricle or thecorresponding right ventricle; and

withdrawing the distal end of the suture locking apparatus from thebody.

Compared with the prior art, the heart valve repair method of thepresent disclosure has at least the following beneficial effects:

The heart valve repair method of the present disclosure is suitable fora valve repair surgery of mitral regurgitation or tricuspidregurgitation by transapical treatment, and can quickly realize achordae repair or an edge-to-edge repair of the mitral valve or thetricuspid valve. When using, it is only necessary to form a smallincision with a diameter ranging from 1 cm to 5 cm in a chest of apatient. After a transapical puncture, a suture is implanted into aleaflet, and then an end of the suture can be fixed on a ventricularwall or a papillary muscle, and the suture is used as an artificialchordae to achieve “chordae repair”; or use the suture locking apparatusto fix the multiple sutures on the different leaflets together, therebypulling the leaflets of the mitral or tricuspid valve toward each other,reducing or eliminating the gap between the leaflets, so as to achieve“edge-to-edge repair”.

Therefore, the heart valve repair method of the present disclosure cantreat the organic regurgitation and functional regurgitation of themitral or tricuspid valve, and the whole surgical procedure only forms asmall wound on the chest of the patient, which is minimally invasive andavoids a damage of a tradition thoracotomy to the patient. Theinstrument is easy to operate, avoiding tedious steps of the prior artof a transcatheter repair of the mitral or tricuspid valve, the successrate of the operation is high, and the time is short.

In addition, the operator can adjust the gap between the leaflets of themitral or tricuspid valve before using the suture locking apparatus tofix the sutures, and observe the regurgitation through a medical imagingdevice. In the case of adjustment to the state of mitral regurgitationor tricuspid regurgitation in the slightest or complete elimination, thelock pin can fix the sutures, thereby ensuring the surgical effect andimproving the success rate of the operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

To describe the technology solutions in the embodiments of the presentdisclosure more clearly, the following briefly introduces theaccompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments.Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description showmerely some embodiments of the present disclosure, those of ordinaryskill in the art may also derive other obvious variations based on theseaccompanying drawings without creative efforts.

FIGS. 1 a to 1 b are schematic diagrams of a normally closed mitralvalve in a heart.

FIGS. 2 a to 2 b are schematic diagrams of a mitral valve that does notnormally close in the heart.

FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a heart valve repair systemof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a suture of FIG. 3 .

FIGS. 5 a to 5 c are structural schematic diagrams of the suture indifferent embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a structural schematic diagram showing a structure of a sutureimplanting apparatus of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the suture implanting apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a structural schematic diagram showing a structure of thesuture implanting apparatus of FIG. 6 a when the capturing assembly inan open state;

FIG. 9 is a structural schematic diagram showing a structure of apuncturing needle of a puncturing assembly coupling with a fixing memberof the suture in the suture implanting apparatus of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 10 a is a structural schematic diagram showing a structure of aproximal clamp in the suture implanting apparatus of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 10 b is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 10 a.

FIGS. 11 a-11 b are structural schematic diagrams of a grippingauxiliary assembly of the suture implanting apparatus of FIG. 6 indifferent embodiments.

FIG. 12 is an axial cross-sectional view of a distal end of a pushingshaft of the suture implanting apparatus of FIG. 6 .

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b are structural schematic diagrams showing thegripping auxiliary assembly supporting on a lower surface of a leaflet.

FIGS. 14 a-14 g are structural schematic diagrams of the grippingauxiliary assembly in different embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a structural schematic diagram showing a detecting assemblyin the suture implanting apparatus of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 16 is a structural schematic diagram showing the detecting assemblyof FIG. 15 drilled through the pushing shaft.

FIG. 17 is a radial cross-sectional view of the pushing shaft.

FIGS. 18 a to 18 c are schematic views of a detecting process of thedetecting assembly.

FIGS. 19 a to 19 c are structural schematic diagrams of the detectingassembly in another embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of the detecting process of the detectingassembly of FIG. 19 a.

FIG. 21 is a structural schematic diagram of a suture locking apparatusof FIG. 3 .

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a lock pin of FIG. 21 before and afterfixing the suture.

FIG. 23 is a structural schematic diagram showing a handle portion ofthe suture locking apparatus of FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 24 is a partial enlarged view of a portion A in a c figure in FIG.23 .

FIG. 25 is a structural schematic diagram of a handle portion in anotherembodiment of the suture locking apparatus, wherein b figure is a D-Dcross-sectional view of a figure.

FIG. 26 is a partial enlarged view of a portion B in the diagram of b inFIG. 25 .

FIG. 27 is an exploded structural schematic diagram showing the handleportion in another embodiment of the suture locking apparatus.

FIG. 28 is a structural schematic diagram of an adjusting mechanism inthe suture locking apparatus of FIG. 27 .

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the lock pin in the suturelocking apparatus of FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 30 is a structural schematic diagram showing a crimping assembly inthe suture locking apparatus of FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing a process of the suture lockingapparatus of FIG. 21 for holding the lock pin.

FIG. 32 is a partial enlarged view of a portion b of FIG. 31 at C.

FIGS. 33 to 45 are schematic views showing a process of repairing amitral valve using the heart valve repair system provided by the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 46 is a schematic flow chart of a heart valve repair methodprovided by the present disclosure for repairing a mitral valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The technical solution in the embodiments of the present disclosure willbe described clearly and completely hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure.Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some but not allembodiments of the present disclosure. All other embodiments obtained bya person of ordinary skilled in the art based on the embodiments of thepresent disclosure without creative efforts shall fall within theprotection scope of the present disclosure.

Orientation definition: an orientation close to an operator is definedas a proximal/proximal end, and another orientation away from theoperator is defined as a distal/distal end.

As shown in FIG. 3 , a heart valve repair system 100 provided by thepresent disclosure can include at least two sutures 3000 each having acertain axial length, a suture implanting apparatus 1000 for implantingthe at least two sutures 3000 in different leaflets of a heart valverespectively, and a suture locking apparatus 2000 for fixing the atleast two sutures 3000 together.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the suture implanting apparatus 1000 can include apushing shaft 1210, a capturing assembly 1300 for capturing and holdingthe leaflets, and a puncturing assembly 1400 for puncturing theleaflets. The capturing assembly 1300 and the puncturing assembly 1400can be movably received in the pushing shaft 1210. The suture 3000 canbe received in the capturing assembly 1300.

As shown in FIGS. 4, and 5 a-5 c, in this embodiment, the heart valverepair system 100 can include at least two sutures 3000. Each suture3000 has a certain axial length, and is flexible. At least one of twoends of the suture 3000 each is coupled to one fixing member 3010. Thefixing member 3010 is coupled to the puncturing assembly 1400 through anon-detachable or a detachable fixed connection. In this embodiment, thesuture 3000 is preferably provided with two fixing members 3010 at twoends thereof respectively (as shown in FIG. 4 ).

In the multiple sutures 3000, one part of each suture 3000 is fixed inthe leaflet. All sutures 3000 are secured together by the suture lockingapparatus 2000 to pull the multiple leaflets of the heart valve towardeach other. The sutures 3000 having flexibility means that they cannotstretched in the axial direction thereof and bend freely. The suture3000 can be made of biocompatible polymer materials or relatively softmetal materials, and is preferably polymer materials such as PTFE or PP.In this embodiment, an ePTFE material is used.

In at least one embodiment, one end of each suture 3000 is fixed on theleaflet and the other end of each suture 3000 can be secured to aventricular wall or a papillary muscle. Therefore, the suture 3000 canbe used as an artificial chordae for replacing a decreased chordae, soas to improve the mitral regurgitation due to chordae rupture and thelike.

As shown in FIG. 4 , two fixing members 3010 are coupled with two endsof the suture 3000 respectively. Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 a-5 c , onlyone fixing member 3010 is coupled to one end of the suture 3000. Eachtime the operator operates the suture implanting apparatus 1000, two ormore sutures 3000 can be implanted, or only one suture 3000 can beimplanted at a time. The suture 3000 is fixed to the fixing member 3010.The fixing ways can be but are not limited to knotting, winding,welding, bonding, snapping, and the like. For example, after one end ofthe suture 3000 passes through the fixing member 3010, the end of thesuture 3000 is knotted to form a larger diameter coil. Or, the end ofthe suture 3000 is welded to form a larger diameter ball. Or, the end ofthe suture 3000 is provided with a cross positioning rod. When only oneend of the suture 3000 is provided with one fixing member 3010, as otherend of the suture 3000 is not provided with one fixing member 3010,therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 b , the diameter of the other end shouldbe larger than the diameter of the suture 3000 by knotting, winding,setting a spherical end, setting a disc end, or the like. When thesuture 3000 is implanting into the leaflet, one end of the suture 3000is coupled with the puncturing assembly 1400 through the fixing member3010, and is then withdrawn, and the other end of the suture 3000 havinga larger diameter is fixed on an upper surface of the leaflet.

In order to increase a point contact between the suture line 3000 andthe leaflet to a surface contact, thereby reducing a risk of the suture3000 tearing the leaflet, the suture 3000 is preferably sleeved with ananti-slip member 3020, and the anti-slip member 3020 can slide along anaxial direction of the suture 3000. Since the anti-slip member 3020 ispreviously sleeved on the suture 3000, after a puncturing needle 1410 ofthe suture implanting device 1000 punctures the leaflet and is coupledwith the fixing member 3010 located at an end of the suture 3000, theanti-slip member 3020 can be driven to a puncturing point, and is fixedto the leaflet together with the suture 3000. The anti-slip member 3020defines at least one through hole 3021. The at least one suture 3000passes through the at least one through hole 3021. The number of the atleast one through hole 3021 is related to the fixing way of theanti-slip member 3020. One way is that the anti-slip member 3020 definesat least two through holes 3021, two ends of one suture 3000 passthrough two different through holes 3021 respectively, and are thencoupled to one fixing member 3010 (as shown in FIG. 4 ). Another way isthat each anti-slip member 3020 defines one through hole 3021, one endof the suture 3000 passes through the through hole 3021 and is thencoupled to the fixing member 3010 (as shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b ). Inorder to prevent the anti-slip member 3020 from slipping off the suture3000, the diameter of the through hole 3021 is less than the diameter ofthe fixing member 3010, and another end of the suture 3000 having nofixing member 3010 should have a diameter greater than a diameter of thethrough hole 3021 of the anti-slip member 3020 by a way of knotting,setting the spherical end, setting the disc end, or the like (as shownin FIG. 5 b ).

In order to spread the force of the suture 3000 to the leaflet as far aspossible to a contact surface between the anti-slip member 3020 and theleaflet, the anti-slip member 3020 needs to be in contact with theleaflet as much as possible, so the anti-slip member 3020 is providedwith a contact surface 3022 that is in contact with the leaflet. Exceptfor the contact surface 3022, the specific structure of the anti-slipmember 3020 is not limited, and may be a sheet shape, a disk shape or aspherical shape, or even an irregular shape having a certain area, andis preferably a sheet shape. The anti-slip member 3020 may be anon-porous structure, a mesh structure, a bar-like structure, or thelike. The anti-slip member 3020 should be made of biocompatiblematerials, either of elastic materials or non-elastic materials.Specifically, the anti-slip member 3020 is selected from at least one ofan elastic pledget, a heart patch, a felt sheet, a mesh structure, adisc-like structure, or a double disc-like structure. The structure ofthe anti-slip member 3020 having the disk-like structure or thedouble-disc structure is similar to an occluder in the prior art, andwill not be described herein. Preferably, in order to reduce an overallsize of the suture implanting apparatus 1000, the anti-slip member 3020having the disc-like structure or the double disc-like structure shouldbe made of shape memory materials. In this embodiment, a polyester clothgasket is used as the anti-slip member 3020.

The suture implanting apparatus 1000 is used for implanting at least onesuture 3000 in each leaflet. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , the sutureimplanting apparatus 1000 can include a capturing assembly 1300, apuncturing assembly 1400 and a pushing shaft 1210. The pushing shaft1210 is a tubular body having a certain axial length or a rod-shapedbody having multiple lumens. The pushing shaft 1210 can be made of samematerials and have multiple lumens. Alternatively, the pushing shaft1210 can be a rod-shaped body formed by an outer tube and a plurality ofinner tubes received and fixed in the outer tube. The pushing shaft 1210can be made of biocompatible polymer materials (for example,polyformaldehyde, polyethylene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene copolymers, thermoplastic elastomer Pebax orpolyurethane), metal materials (for example, stainless steel ornickel-titanium alloy) or metal-polymer composite materials. In thisembodiment, the pushing shaft 1210 is a rod-shaped body in which aplurality of mutually separated lumens are disposed in an axialdirection thereof. A proximal end of the pushing shaft 1210 can includea first handle 1201. The first handle 1201 is used for pushing thepushing shaft 1210 towards the distal end or withdrawing the pushingshaft 1210 towards the proximal end.

As shown in FIG. 7 again, one lumen of the pushing shaft 1210 is usedfor movably receiving the puncturing assembly 1400. The puncturingassembly 1400 can include at least one puncturing rod 1420 and at leastone puncturing needle 1410 each located on a distal end of one of the atleast one puncturing rod 1420. The number of the at least one puncturingrod 1420 is related to the number of the fixing members 3010. In thisembodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , two ends of the suture 3000 are coupledwith the two fixing members 3010 respectively, therefore, there are twopuncturing rods 1420 parallel receiving in the pushing shaft 1210. Eachpuncturing needle 1410 is corresponded to one fixing member 3010. Thepuncturing needle 1410 punctures the leaflet and then couples with thefixing member 3010 of the suture 3000. Then, the puncturing rod 1420 iswithdrawn to drag the suture 3000 to the proximal end. The distal end ofthe puncturing needle 1410 is a straight tip having a tapered shape tofacilitate a puncture of the leaflet and reduce a diameter of thepuncturing point formed on the leaflet, thereby facilitatingpostoperative healing of the patient. In this embodiment, a diameter ofa single puncturing point formed on each leaflet formed by the sutureimplanting apparatus 1000 has a range from 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm.Furthermore, by selecting a suitable shape and a diameter of thepuncturing needle 1410, the diameter of the puncturing point can becontrolled to be about 0.7 mm.

The puncturing needle 1410 is coupled to the fixing member 3010 througha non-detachable or a detachable fixed connection way. The connectionway is various, for example, screw connection, bonding, frictionalconnection through rough surface, interference fit or snap connection.In this embodiment, the snap connection is used. Specifically, a grooveor a hole is formed in an inner surface of the fixing member 3010, andis engaged with a protrusion or a convex edge provided by the puncturingneedle 1410. As shown in FIG. 9 , three recesses 3125 are radiallydefined on the inner surface of the fixing member 3010, and are engagedwith the flanges 1411 on the puncturing needle 1410.

As shown in FIG. 7 , a proximal end of the puncturing needle 1410 iscoupled to the puncturing rod 1420. The puncturing rod 1420 is movablyreceived in the lumen of the pushing shaft 1210. The proximal end of thepuncturing rod 1420 extends out from the proximal end of the pushingshaft 1210 and then couples with a third handle 1401. Therefore, anaxial movement of the third handle 1401 can cause the puncturing rod1420 to move along an axial direction of the pushing shaft 1210, therebydriving the puncturing needle 1410 to puncture towards the distal end orwithdraw towards the proximal end. After the leaflet is captured by thecapturing assembly 1300, the puncturing needle 1410 can be driven by thethird handle 1401 to puncture the leaflet and then couple with thefixing member 3010 of the suture 3000. In this embodiment, thepuncturing needle 1410 forms a stable and reliable connection with thefixing member 3010 of the suture 3000, and the suture 3000 is not easilyseparated from the fixing member 3010, and the operator can convenientlyand quickly withdraw one or both ends of the suture 3000 coupling withthe fixing member 3010.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , the capturing assembly 1300 can include acapturing rod 1330 for receiving the suture 3000, and a distal clamp1310 and a proximal clamp 1320. The distal clamp 1310 and the proximalclamp 1320 can open and close relatively to hold the leaflet. Thecapturing rod 1330 movably receives in the pushing shaft 1210. Thedistal clamp 1310 is located on the distal end of the capturing rod1330. The proximal clamp 1320 is located on the distal end of thepushing shaft 1210. The proximal end of the capturing rod 1330 extendsout from the proximal end of the pushing shaft 1210, and then coupleswith the a second handle 1301. The distal clamp 1310 and the proximalclamp 1320 can open and close relatively means that the distal clamp1310 and the proximal clamp 1320 can move relative to each other to openor close. The second handle 1301 is driven to the distal end, causingthe capturing rod 1330 to move toward the distal end, so that the distalclamp 1310 is away from the proximal clamp 1320, forming an open stateas shown in FIG. 8 . At this time, the distal clamp 1310 and theproximal clamp 1320 can cooperatively form a receiving space forreceiving the leaflet. When the leaflet is received in the receivingspace, the second handle 1301 is withdrawn to the proximal end, suchthat the distal clamp 1310 moves close to the proximal clamp 1320,forming a close state as shown in FIG. 6 . At this time, the leaflet iscaptured by the capturing assembly 1300 and fixed. The shape of theproximal clamp 1320 and the distal clamp 1310 should be consistent withthe shape of the pushing shaft 1210. The distal clamp 1310 and theproximal clamp 1320 should form a smooth overall appearance after theyare in the close state to facilitate pushing and reducing damage to thepatient's wound.

In at least one embodiment, the proximal clamp 1320 set separately canbe omitted, and the distal end of the pushing shaft 1210 can be directlyused as the proximal clamp 1320 to cooperate with the distal clamp 1310to hold the leaflet.

In order to improve the stability of the clamping, a clamping surface ofthe proximal clamp 1320 (ie, a distal end surface of the proximal clamp1320) and a clamping surface of the distal clamp 1310 (ie, a proximalend surface of the distal clamp 1310) should be fitted with each otherfor clamping the leaflet. The clamping surface of the proximal clamp1320 and the clamping surface of the distal clamp 1310 each has a largerleaflet contact area. For example, the clamping surface of the proximalclamp 1320 and the clamping surface of the distal clamp 1310 can beinclined respectively, that is, an acute angle of less than 90 degreesis formed between the axial direction of the pushing shaft 1210 and theclamping surface of the proximal clamp 1320, and between the axialdirection of the pushing shaft 1210 and the clamping surface of thedistal clamp 1310. Furthermore, a clamping reinforcement for enhancingthe clamping force is provided on the clamping surface of the distalclamp 1310 and/or the proximal clamp 1320. The clamping reinforcement ispreferably at least one of projections, ribs, grooves or recesses. Theclamping surface of the distal clamp 1310 is provided with a clampingreinforcement that should be matched to a clamping reinforcementprovided by the clamping surface of the proximal clamp 1320, such thatthere is no gap between the distal clamp 1310 and the proximal clamp1320 when they are in the close state. In this embodiment, the clampingsurface of the distal clamp 1310 and the clamping surface of theproximal clamp 1320 should both provided with clamping reinforcementhaving a plurality of parallel ribs, when the distal clamp 1310 and theproximal clamp 1320 are in the close state, there is no gap between thedistal clamp 1310 and the proximal clamp 1320.

The capturing rod 1330 is a tubular body or a hollow rod having acertain axial length. Referring to FIG. 10 a and FIG. 10 b together, across section of the capturing rod 1330 is preferably elliptical,semicircular, crescent, circular, or the like. The capturing rod 1330defines a suture channel 1331 (as shown in FIG. 7 ) along an axialdirection thereof. The distal clamp 1310 defines two suture receivingspaces 1315 interconnecting with the suture channel 1331. The two suturereceiving spaces 1315 are respectively drilling through the clampingsurfaces of the distal clamp 1310. The suture 3000 is received in thesuture channel 1331 and the two suture receiving spaces 1315.

The clamping surface of the distal clamp 1310 defines two fixed cavities1313 for accommodating the two fixing members 3010 of the suture 3000,respectively. Each fixed cavity 1313 is axially interconnected with onesuture receiving cavity 1315. The positions of the two fixed cavities1313 correspond to the positions of the two puncturing needles 1410,respectively. Thus, the two fixing members 3010 of the suture 3000 arerespectively accommodated in the distal clamp 1310. The proximal end ofeach fixing member 3010 corresponds to one puncturing needle 1410.

In this embodiment, the suture 3000 is placed and fixed inside thesuture implanting apparatus 1000, which avoids the damage of thefriction of the suture 3000 when the suture 3000 enters the patient bodyfollowing the suture implanting apparatus 1000, and further avoidsleakage of blood around the suture 3000. In addition, the distancebetween the fixed cavity 1313 and the capturing rod 1330 is the distancebetween the implanted suture 3000 and the edge of the leaflet, which caneffectively avoid the edge of the leaflet folding or a notch of themitral valve, to enhance the surgical effect.

As shown in FIGS. 10 a-10 b , since the suture 3000 is further providedwith the anti-slip member 3020 sleeved thereon, the clamping surface ofthe distal clamp 1310 further defines a receiving groove 1314 forreceiving the anti-slip member 3020. The receiving groove 1314 isradially interconnected with two suture receiving cavities 1315.Therefore, after the two puncturing needle 1410 each punctures theleaflet and couples with one fixing member 3010, the two puncturing rods1420 are withdrawn to pull out the two puncturing needles 1410, the twofixing members 3010, the sutures 3000, and the two anti-slip members3020 sequentially from the clamping surface of the distal clamp 1310,until the two puncturing needles 1410, the two fixing members 3010 andthe sutures 3000 drill through the leaflet in turn, and the anti-slipmember 3020 is attached to the upper surface of the leaflet.

The fixed cavity 1313 and the receiving groove 1314 can be used to pullthe suture 3000 and the anti-slip member 3020 to the leaflet withoutreleasing the distal clamp 1310 and the proximal clamp 1320. Therefore,when the distal clamp 1310 and the proximal clamp 1320 are changed fromthe close state to the open state, and the leaflet is in the moment ofdetachment from the capturing assembly 1300 and recovery beating, thesuture 3000 will not be in contact with the leaflet alone, avoiding alinear cutting effect of the suture 3000 from injuring the beatingleaflet.

The function of the fixed cavity 1313 is that the fixing member 3010 ofthe suture 3000 can be fixed in the fixed cavity 1313, and the fixingmember 3010 can be pulled out from the fixed cavity 1313 after beingpulled by an external force. Therefore, the shape of the fixed cavity1313 matches the shape of the fixing member 3010, and a diameter of aninscribed circle of the fixed cavity 1313 is larger than a diameter of acircumscribed circle of the suture receiving cavity 1315. Preferably, aratio of the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the suturereceiving cavity 1315 to the diameter of the inscribed circle of thefixed cavity 1313 is (0.2 to 0.4):1. When a cross section of the fixedcavity 1313 and the suture receiving cavity 1315 are both circular, thediameter of the inscribed circle of the fixed cavity 1313 is thediameter of the circular cross section of the fixed cavity 1313, and thediameter of the circumscribed circle of the suture receiving cavity 1315is the diameter of the circular cross section of the suture receivingcavity 1315. In this embodiment, the cross section of the fixed cavity1313 is circular, and the diameter of the fixed cavity 1313 is D1. Thecross section of the suture receiving cavity 1315 is circular, and thediameter of the suture receiving cavity 1315 is D2. D2 is 30% of D1.

In order to smoothly pull the suture 3000 and the anti-slip member 3020out of the clamping surface of the distal clamp 1310, the fixed cavity1313 and the receiving groove 1314 are radially interconnected with eachother. Preferably, the width D3 of the connecting portion between thefixed cavity 1313 and the receiving groove 1314 is 20% to 50% of D1.

As shown in FIG. 7 , to further enhance the grip, the suture implantingapparatus 1000 can also include a gripping auxiliary assembly 1500. Asshown in FIG. 11 a and FIG. 11 b , the gripping auxiliary assembly 1500can include at least one gripping arm 1520 that is movably received intothe pushing shaft 1210, and the at least one gripping member 1510 eachis located at a distal end of one of the at least one gripping arm 1520.In order to facilitate the pushing, the gripping arm 1520 is alsoprovided with a fourth handle 1501 at a proximal end thereof.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the pushing shaft 1210 defines a gripping armreceiving space 1250 along an axial direction thereof. Beforepuncturing, the gripping member 1510 and the gripping arm 1520 are bothreceived in the gripping arm receiving space 1250. The clamping surfaceof the proximal clamp 1320, the sidewall of the pushing shaft 1210 orthe sidewall of the proximal clamp 1320 defines an opening 1260. Theopening 1260 is interconnected with the gripping arm receiving space1250. When a fourth handle 1501 is pushed by an operator towards thedistal end, the gripping arm 1520 can be driven to push the grippingmember 1510 out from the opening 1260 (as shown in FIG. 13 a ), therebysupporting on a lower surface of the leaflet 600, steadying the beatingleaflet 600, reducing an amplitude of the leaflet 600, and cooperatingwith the capturing assembly 1300 to clamp and fix the leaflet 600 (asshown in FIG. 13 b )

The angle α between the axial direction of the distal end of thegripping arm receiving space 1250 and the axial direction of the pushingshaft 1210 ranges from 120 degrees to 150 degrees. The reason forsetting this is that before puncturing, the capturing rod 1330 is incontact with the edge of the leaflet, and the distal clamp 1310 and theproximal clamp 1320 can only clamp part of the leaflet. In this case, inorder to keep the beating leaflet stable and easy to puncture, it isnecessary to be support other side opposite to the edge of each leaflet,so it is necessary to have a certain angle between the gripping member1510 after drilling through the opening 1260 and the pushing shaft 1210,so as to support the lower surface of the other side of each leafletopposite to the edge of the leaflet. The angle between the auxiliarymember 1510 and the pushing shaft 1210 is approximately equal to theangle between the axial direction of the distal end of the gripping armreceiving space 1250 and the axial direction of the pushing shaft 1210.

The gripping member 1510 is a rod-like structure composed of at leastone support rod. The gripping member 1510 is made of biocompatibleelastic and/or flexible materials to accommodate the leaflet's anatomyand leaflet activity and avoid damage to the leaflet. The elasticmaterials are preferably shape memory materials. The gripping member1510 can be made of metallic materials, polymeric materials ormetal-polymer composite materials. The support rod may be a solid orhollow structure of a single layer or a multiple layer compositestructure, or may be coiled from a single wire or a plurality of wires.In this embodiment, the gripping member 1510 is a support rod made ofnickel-titanium alloy and has a circular cross section.

The gripping arm 1520 is rod-shaped or tubular with a certain axiallength and has a certain hardness or rigidity to provide support andpush ability. The gripping arm 1520 may be a metal rod or a polymer rodof a hollow or solid structure of a single layer or a multiple layercomposite structure, or may be coiled from a single wire or a pluralityof wires. The gripping arm 1520 can be made of metal materials, polymermaterials or metal-polymer composite materials.

The supportability of the gripping arm 1520 and the softness of thegripping member 1510 can be achieved by using different materials tomake the gripping member 1510 and the gripping arm 1520, respectively.It can be understood that the same materials can be used to make thegripping arm 1520 and the gripping member 1510, and then a higherhardness material is added outside or inside the gripping arm 1520 as areinforcing tube or a stiffened wire to ensure the supportability of thegripping arm 1520 (as shown in FIG. 14 a ). Preferably, the gripping arm1520 and the gripping member 1510 have an included angle β ranging from120 degrees to 150 degrees.

The gripping member 1510 is at least partially made of radiopaquematerials. After the gripping member 1510 is in contact with theleaflet, the flexible and/or elastic gripping member 1510 produces acorresponding swing with an amplitude of the leaflet's movement, so thatthe operator can quickly and accurately determine the position of theleaflet by X-ray before the clamping assembly 1300 holds the leaflet.Therefore, the capturing assembly 1300 can be operated to capture theleaflet more quickly and accurately, the operation cost and difficultyare reduced, the operation time is shortened, and the success rate ofthe operation is improved.

In at least one embodiment, in order to enhance the strength of thegripping auxiliary assembly 1500, the gripping member 1510 may also be adeformed structure composed of a plurality of support rods. After thedeformed structure is contracted and deformed, it is received in thepushing shaft 1210 together with the gripping arm 1520. As shown in FIG.14 b , the deformed structure is an open bifurcated structure or anumbrella-like structure composed of a plurality of support rods, and anangle φ between the bifurcated structures is less than or equal to 150degrees. In order to facilitate pushing in the pushing shaft 1210, thegripping member 1510 has a compressed state and an expanded state in anatural state. When the clamping auxiliary member 1510 is in thecompressed state, it can be accommodated in the gripping arm receivingspace 1250 of the pushing shaft 1210 and pushed. When the grippingmember 1510 is extended out from the opening 1260, it is transformedinto the expanded state, which can be supported on the lower surface ofthe leaflet, and stably beats of the leaflet. The contact surface of thelarger diameter of the gripping member 1510 and the leaflet is the planewhere the gripping member 1510 is located. Therefore, the contact areabetween the gripping member 1510 and the leaflet is larger, which canbetter fit the leaflet and improve the supportability for leaflets ofthe gripping auxiliary assembly 1500.

In at least one embodiment, the ends of the open bifurcated structure orthe umbrella-like structure of the gripping member 1510 may be rolled inthe direction towards the proximal end of the gripping arm 1520. Theplurality of gripping members 1510 form a recessed area, as shown inFIG. 14 c . At this time, since the end of each gripping member 1510 isturned inward and pointed to the direction of the proximal end of thegripping arm 1520. The end of the support rod of the gripping member1510 can be prevented from stabbing the leaflet or the ventricular wall.

As shown in FIGS. 14 d to 14 f , in at least one embodiment, thedeformed structure may also be a closed loop structure composed of aplurality of support rods. The closed loop structure may be circular,diamond, elliptical, pear-shaped, polygonal or other irregular shapesthat may form a closed structure. Referring to FIG. 14 g , in at leastone embodiment, at least one flexible and/or elastic link rod 1511 maybe disposed between the support rods of the closed-loop structure toimprove the stability of the closed-loop structure, and further enhancethe supportability of the gripping member 1510 to the leaflet. In atleast one embodiment, when a plurality of support rods and link rods1511 are disposed in the closed loop structure, the closed loopstructure may also form a sheet structure or a mesh structure. As longas the gripping member 1510 is made of shape memory materials, it can bestored in the gripping arm receiving space 1250 of the pushing shaft1210 and delivered, and then extended out from the opening 1260 toreturn to a natural unfolded state, contact with the lower surface ofthe leaflet and provide support for the leaflet.

As shown in FIG. 7 again, the suture implanting apparatus 1000 canfurther include a detecting assembly 1600. The detecting assembly 1600is used to detect whether the leaflet is effectively clamped between thedistal clamp 1310 and the proximal clamp 1320. The detecting assembly1600 can include at least one probe 1610. As shown in FIG. 15 , in thisembodiment, the detecting assembly 1600 can include two probes 1610arranged in parallel. The distance between the two probes 1610 and thecapturing rod 1330 is approximately equal.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , to ensure that the probe 1610 can protrudefrom the distal end of the pushing shaft 1210 to detect the leaflet, anaxial length of the probe 1610 is preferably greater than a minimumlength of the pushing shaft 1210 along the axial direction thereof. Inthe pushing shaft 1210, at least one probe channel 1270, a capturing rodchannel 1280, and at least one puncturing rod channel 1290 are disposedin the axial direction. The probe 1610 movably drills through the probechannel 1270 of the pushing shaft 1210. For ease of operation, theproximal end of each probe 1610 is coupled to one fifth handle 1601. Theclamping surface of the proximal clamp 1320 defines at least one probeoutlet 1321 for facilitating the distal end of the probe 1610 to extendtherefrom. As shown in FIG. 10 b , the clamping face of thecorresponding distal clamp 1310 defines at least one probe receivingcavity 1312 each opposite to one probe outlet 1321 for receiving thedistal end of the probe 1610. When the proximal clamp 1320 and thedistal clamp 1310 are closed, the distal end of the probe 1610 isextended out from the probe outlet 1321 and then received in the probereceiving cavity 1312.

As shown in FIG. 18 a , when the proximal clamp 1320 and the distalclamp 1310 are in the close state, if the leaflet 600 is located betweenthe proximal clamp 1320 and the distal clamp 1310, the edge of theleaflet 600 is in contact with the capturing rod 1330, after the distalend of the probe 1610 extends from the clamping surface of the proximalclamp 1320, the probe 1610 will be blocked by leaflet 600 and cannotmove towards the distal end, it indicates that the leaflet 600 is in aneffective clamping state and can be punctured. In addition, when thedistal end of the probe 1610 is blocked by the leaflet 600 and cannotenter the probe receiving cavity 1312 shown in FIG. 10 a , it alsoindicates that the position between the edge of the leaflet 600 and thesuture 3000 is relatively fixed. As shown in FIG. 18 b or FIG. 18 c , ifthe leaflet 600 is in an invalid clamping state, that is, the leaflet600 does not completely cover the probe opening 1321 on the clampingsurface of the proximal clamp 1320, the distal end of the probe 1610 canbe extended out from the probe opening 1321 and enter into the probereceiving cavity 1312 of the distal clamp 1310. The operator needs tore-clamp the leaflet 600. Therefore, the probe 1610 can effectivelydetect the clamping effect of the leaflet 600 by its mechanicalstructure, and the device has a simple structure and is convenient foroperating.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the probe 1610 can include a probe body 1661having a certain length and a probe end 1662 disposed at a distal end ofthe probe body 1661. The probe body 1661 and the probe end 1662 are madeof same materials or fixedly coupled therebetween. The probe body 1661can be a solid or a hollow structure. The cross section of the probebody 1661 may be a regular circular or elliptical shape, a crescentshape, a semicircular shape, a polygonal shape, or the like, and ispreferably a circular shape. The probe end 1662 is a solid structure ora hollow structure having a smooth outer surface. For convenience ofpushing, the shape of the probe end 1662 is selected from at least oneof a cone shape, a table shape, a column shape, a sphere shape, or ahemisphere shape. Both the probe body 1661 and the probe end 1662 may bemade of metal materials, polymer materials, or metal-polymer compositematerials. For example, the probe body 1661 may be a solid rod-shaped orhollow tubular structure of a single-layer or multiple layer compositestructure, and may also be coiled from a single wire or a plurality ofwires.

The hardness of the distal end of the probe body 1661 is less than orequal to the hardness of the proximal end of the probe body 1661. Thatis, the distal end of the probe body 1661 preferably has flexibility orresilience to avoid leaflet being stabbed or damaged, and the proximalend of the probe body 1661 is preferably a structure having a certainstiffness or stiffness to provide support and pushability.

In at least one embodiment, the detecting assembly 1600 can include onlyone probe 1610, or can include multiple probes 1610. The multiple probes1610 can be drilled through one lumen of the pushing shaft 1210together, ie, the pushing shaft 1210 has only one probe channel 1270, orcan also be drilled through separately in different lumens of thepushing shaft 1210, ie, the pushing shaft 1210 has multiple probechannels 1270.

In at least one embodiment, the distal ends of two probes 1610 can becoupled to each other. As shown in FIG. 19 a , the distal ends of thetwo probes 1610 can have certain elasticity/toughness, and are coupledtogether by a connecting rod 1620. When the fifth handle 1601 iswithdrawn, the connecting rod 1620 is located on the clamping surface ofthe proximal clamp 1320. As shown in FIGS. 19 b and 19 c , the clampingsurface of the proximal clamp 1320 preferably defines a probe groove1323 for receiving the connecting rod 1620. The probe groove 1323 shouldbe interconnected with the two probe channels 1270. Correspondingly, theclamping surface of the distal clamp 1310 defines a connecting rodreceiving groove 1322 for receiving the connecting rod 1620. Theconnecting rod receiving groove 1322 is respectively interconnected withthe two probe receiving cavities 1312. When the fifth handle 1601 of thedetecting assembly 1600 is pushed to the distal end, the distal ends ofthe two probes 1610 and the connecting rod 1620 extend out of theproximal clamp 1320, and enter the two probe receiving cavities 1312 andthe connecting rod receiving groove 1322 of the distal clamp 1310. Whenthe fifth handle 1601 is withdrawn to the proximal end, the distal endsof the two probes 1610 and the connecting rod 1620 are withdrawn fromthe distal clamp 1310, the distal ends of the two probes 1610 each isreceived into the probe channel 1270 of the pushing shaft 1210, and theconnecting rod 1620 is received on the clamping surface or the probegroove 1323 on the clamping surface of the proximal clamp 1320.

In this embodiment of the detecting assembly 1600, the contact area ofthe distal end of the detecting assembly 1600 and the leaflet isincreased, and is particularly suitable for detecting irregular leafletshapes. For example, as shown in FIG. 20 , since the edge shape of theleaflet 600 is irregular, even if the leaflet 600 has been effectivelyclamped by the capturing assembly 1300, the leaflet 600 may not coverthe probe outlet 1321 of the proximal clamp 1320, and the distal ends ofthe two probes 1610 of the present embodiment are coupled together bythe connecting rod 1620, which increases the contact area between thedistal end of the detecting assembly 1600 and the leaflet. It can detectthat the leaflet has been clamped, which instructs the operator toperform the leaflet puncture and implant the suture 3000.

After the suture 3000 was implanted into the leaflet using the abovesuture implanting apparatus 1000, the suture 3000 was fixed by thesuture locking apparatus 2000.

As shown in FIG. 21 , the suture locking apparatus 2000 can include alock pin 21000, an outer tube 22000, a handle 23000, and an adjustingmechanism 24000. The lock pin 21000 is used to accommodate or fix thesuture 3000 (refer to the figure a or b in FIG. 22 , where the figure ashows that before the fixing, the figure b shows the fixing). The outertube 22000 defines a cavity 22100, and the lock pin 21000 is located atthe distal end of the cavity 22100 (as shown in FIG. 35 ). The handle23000 can include a fixing portion 23100 that is coupled to a proximalend of the outer tube 22000. The adjusting mechanism 24000 is located onthe fixing portion 23100 (as shown in FIG. 23 ). The adjusting mechanism24000 is coupled to the proximal end of the suture 3000, and is used foradjusting the tightening or loosening of the suture 3000. It can beunderstood that the adjusting mechanism 24000 can be any device capableof tightening or loosening the suture 3000. For example, a cable tie ora buckle. It can be understood that the number of the adjustingmechanism 24000 can be set according to need. Preferably, two adjustingmechanisms 24000 are disposed on two opposite sides of the fixingportion 23100 for adjusting two sets of sutures 3000 respectively.

In this embodiment, in the minimally invasive surgery or theinterventional therapy, the suture locking apparatus 2000 can adjust thelength of the sutures 3000 according to the efficacy in the process offixing the sutures, thereby enhancing a surgical effect and improving asuccess rate of the surgery.

As shown in FIG. 23 , in the further embodiment, the adjusting mechanism24000 can include a cable tie 24100. The cable tie 24100 is movablycoupled to the fixing portion 23100. The cable tie 24100 is coupled tothe proximal end of the sutures 3000 to adjust the tightening orloosening of the sutures 3000. By adjusting the tightening or looseningof the sutures 3000 through the cable tie 24100, the length of thesutures 3000 can be effectively controlled, and the effect of adjustingthe relatively small length can be achieved. For example, one cable tie24100 is that the sutures 3000 are winded on the cable tie 24100, andthe sutures 3000 are tightened or loosened by changing a windingdirection or a winding way.

In the further embodiment, the adjusting mechanism 24000 can furtherinclude an adjustment guideway 24200 disposed on the fixing portion23100. The cable tie 24100 is coupled to the fixing portion 23100 by theadjustment guideway 24200. The cable tie 24100 can slide in theadjustment guideway 24200 along an axial direction of the adjustmentguideway 24200, thereby adjusting the tightening or loosening of thesutures 3000. It will be appreciated that the cable tie 24100 adjuststhe tightening or loosening of the sutures 3000 by rolling in theadjustment guideway 24200. It can be understood that the axial directionof the adjustment guideway 24200 coincides with the overall axialdirection of the suture locking apparatus 2100 or has a preset angle toallow the cable tie 24100 to roll in the adjustment guideway 24200 toadjust the tightening or loosening of the sutures 3000. The overallaxial direction of the suture locking apparatus 2000 refers to thedirection from the proximal end to the distal end.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 , in the further embodiment, the cable tie24100 can include a suture fixing portion 24110 and a handle connectingportion 24120. The suture fixing portion 24110 is detachably coupled tothe sutures 3000. Therein, the sutures 3000 can be fixed to the suturefixing portion 24110 by winding, pressing, crimping, or the like. Thehandle connecting portion 24120 is located in the adjustment guideway24200. The cable tie 24100 can slide in the adjustment guideway 24200 inthe axial direction of the adjustment guideway 24200 through the handleconnection portion 24120. The handle connecting portion 24120 is locatedin the adjustment guideway 24200 by a snapping or the like to ensurethat the cable tie 24100 does not fall off the handle 3000. The handleconnecting portion 24120 can include an embedding end 24121 and aconnecting shaft 24122. The embedding end 24121 is located in theguideway cavity 24210 and can slide in the axial direction. Theconnecting shaft 24122 is located on a guideway outer wall 24220 and canslide in the axial direction. The embedding end 24121 is coupled withthe suture fixing portion 24110 through the connecting shaft 24122.

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 , another embodiment of the suture lockingapparatus 2000 a is shown. The figure a in FIG. 25 is a right view fromthe direction of the handle of the suture locking apparatus 2000 a. Thefigure b in FIG. 25 is a D-D cross-sectional view of the FIG. 25 . FIG.26 is a partial enlarged view of the figure b of FIG. 25 at B. Thesuture locking apparatus 2000 a differs from the first suture lockingapparatus 2000 in that the adjustment guideway 24200 can include aguideway cavity 24210 and a guideway outer wall 24220. The guidewayouter wall 24220 can include first teeth 24221. The connecting shaft24122 can include second teeth 24123. The first teeth 24221 engage withthe second teeth 24123 to roll the connecting shaft 24122 on theguideway outer wall 24220. Further, the cable tie 24100 can slide in theadjustment guideway 24200 to advance or retract along the axialdirection thereof. When the operator rotates the cable tie 24100, thecable tie 24100 moves axially along the adjustment guideway 24200, and arotational motion of the cable tie 24100 can be converted into a linearmotion of the suture 3000, thereby accurately achieving the tighteningand loosening of the suture 3000.

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 , another embodiment of the suture lockingapparatus 2000 b is shown. The suture locking apparatus 2000 b differsfrom the suture locking apparatus 2000 in that the adjusting mechanism24000 can further include a lead screw 24300, a bolt 24400, and anadjustment knob 24500. The lead screw 24300 is fixed in the fixingportion 23100 along the axial direction of the adjustment guideway24200. The bolt 24400 is fixed in the fixing portion 23100, and the leadscrew 24300 passes through the bolt 24400 and is fitted with the bolt24400. The proximal end of the lead screw 24300 passes through theproximal end of the fixing portion 23100 and is coupled to theadjustment knob 24500. The handle connecting portion 24120 is fixed tothe lead screw 24300. The adjustment knob 24500 adjusts the lead screw24300 to advance or retreat in the axial direction of the adjustmentguideway 24200. When the operator rotates the adjustment knob 24500, theadjustment knob 24500 drives the lead screw 24300 to rotate in thefixing portion 23100, thereby driving the cable tie 24100 coupled to thelead screw 24300 to advance or retreat in the axial direction of theadjustment guideway 24200.

As shown in FIG. 21 again, in further embodiment, the handle 23000 canfurther include a movable portion 23200. The movable portion 23200 andthe fixing portion 23100 are relatively movable. The lock pin 21000 candefine a hollow inner cavity 21100 (as shown in FIG. 29 ) in the axialdirection thereof. The hollow inner cavity 21100 is used to receive andpass through the suture 3000. The suture locking apparatus 2000 can alsoinclude a crimping assembly 26000 and a mandrel 25000. The crimpingassembly 26000 is for holding the lock pin 21000 and deforming the lockpin 21000 (refer to FIG. 22 , wherein figure a in FIG. 22 indicatesbefore deformation, and figure b in FIG. 22 indicates deformation). Whenthe lock pin 21000 is subjected to a mechanical external force, it canbe compressed to fix the sutures 3000 in the lock pin 21000. It will notmove relative to the lock pin 21000, thus locking and fixing the sutures3000. The lock pin 21000 may be of various shapes, for example, acylindrical shape, a prism shape, or the like, as long as it has ahollow inner cavity 21100 for accommodating any shape of the suture3000. A cylindrical shape is employed in this embodiment to reduce thecrimp resistance.

The distal end of the mandrel 25000 is coupled to the proximal end ofthe crimping assembly 26000, and the proximal end of the mandrel 25000is movably coupled to the movable portion 23200. The crimping assembly26000 and the mandrel 25000 are located in the cavity 22100, and themovable portion 23200 moves relative to the fixing portion 23100 todrive the mandrel 25000 to move, causing the crimping assembly 26000 topress the lock pin 21000. It can be understood that the mandrel 25000applies a force to the crimping assembly 26000 during the movement, sothat the crimping assembly 26000 has a mechanical external force ofcrimping the lock pin 21000, so as to press the lock pin 21000. Wherethe mandrel 25000 can be extended into the fixing portion 23100, amovable connection portion 23210 between the movable portion 23200 andthe mandrel 25000 is located in the fixing portion 23100 (refer to FIG.31 ).

As shown in FIGS. 30 and 32 , in the further embodiment, the crimpingassembly 26000 can include a crimping clamp 26100 and a crimping rod26200. The crimping clamp 26100 can include an upper clamping piece26110, a bottom clamping piece 26120, and a clip connecting portion26130 coupling the upper clamping piece 26110 and the bottom clampingpiece 26120. The lock pin 21000 is received between the upper clampingpiece 26110 and the bottom clamping piece 26120. The proximal end of thecrimping rod 26200 is coupled to the distal end of the mandrel 25000.The distal end of the crimping rod 26200 is located close to the upperclamping piece 26110. The mandrel 25000 drives the crimping rod 26200 tomove towards the upper clamping piece 26110, which cause the upperclamping piece 26110 to move towards the bottom clamping piece 26120 tomake the upper clamping piece 26110 and the bottom clamping piece 26120cooperatively crimp the lock pin 21000. The crimping rod 26200 is madeof stainless steel, nickel titanium alloy or cobalt chromium alloy,preferably made of stainless steel.

In at least one embodiment, the upper clamping piece 26110 and/or thebottom clamping piece 26120 are at least partially made of deformablematerials with certain elasticity. Therefore, the upper clamping piece26110 and/or the bottom clamping piece 26120 are deformable whensubjected to an external force. The upper clamping piece 26110 and/orthe bottom clamping piece 26120 may be brought closer together, and thelock pin 21000 placed between the upper clamping piece 26110 and thebottom clamping piece 26120 is crimped into a shape having a certaincurvature. It can be understood that the upper clamping piece 26110 andthe bottom clamping piece 26120 are preferably made of stainless steel,nickel titanium alloy, cobalt chromium alloy or the like, and the clipconnecting portion 26130 is made of stainless steel, nickel titaniumalloy or the like. In this embodiment, the whole crimping clamps 26100are made of nickel-titanium alloy.

As shown in FIG. 30 , in the further embodiment, the upper clampingpiece 26110 can include a first surface 26111 that faces the lock pin21000, and the bottom clamping piece 26120 can include a second surface26121 that faces the lock pin 21000. The first surface 26111 can includea first engaging portion 26112. The second surface 26121 can include asecond engaging portion 26122. The first engaging portion 26112 isengaged with the second engaging portion 26122 such that the upperclamping piece 26110 and the bottom clamping piece 26120 can be in theclose state. It can be understood that the first engaging portion 26112and the second engaging portion 26122 may have a curvature shape or asawtooth shape that cooperate with each other.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 , FIG. 32 is a partial enlarged view of bfigure in FIG. 31 . In a further embodiment, the distal end of the outertube 22000 defines a suture inlet 22200 radially. A diameter of thesuture inlet 22200 is at least equal to the diameter of the largestouter diameter of the lock pin 21000, so that the lock pin 21000 afterthe crimping can be detached from the distal end of the outer tube22000. The outer tube 22000 further defines a suture outlet 22300. Thesuture inlet 22200 and the suture outlet 22300 are both interconnectedwith the hollow inner cavity 21100 of the lock pin 21000, so that theproximal ends of the sutures 3000 can sequentially pass through thesuture inlet 22200, the distal end of the lock pin 21000, and the sutureoutlet 22300. It can be understood that, in other embodiments, thesuture outlet 22300 can be disposed at any position of the outer tube22000, or disposed on the handle 23000, as long as the suture outlet22300 is coupled to the hollow inner cavity 21100 of the lock pin 21000,the suture 3000 can be passed through the proximal end of the sutureoutlet 22300.

When using the suture locking apparatus 2000, the operator drives theproximal ends of the sutures 3000 to pass through the suture inlet 22200of distal end of the outer tube 22000, the opening of the distal end ofthe lock pin 21000, and the suture outlet 22300 of the distal end of theouter tube 22000, and then fixes the sutures 3000 to the suture fixingportion 24110 of the cable tie 24100. The length of the suture 3000 isadjusted by the adjusting mechanism 24000 according to need. When theadjustment is completed, the movable portion 23200 of the handle 23000is driven to move towards the fixing portion 23100, thereby driving themandrel 25000 to move toward the distal end of the outer tube 22000,thereby causing the crimping rod 26200 to press the crimping clamp26100, the upper clamping piece 26110 and the bottom clamping piece26120 of the crimping clamp 26100 to press the lock pin 21000, so thatthe lock pin 21000 is deformed (refer to FIG. 32 , the figure a in FIG.32 is before the pressure is held, and the figure b is after thepressure grip), the sutures 3000 received in lock pin 21000 is fixedwith lock pin 21000.

As shown in FIG. 46 , the following is a schematic flow chart of a heartvalve repair method provided in this embodiment for repairing a mitralvalve. The heart valve repair method is applied to the heart valverepair system 100.

Step S1: the distal end of the suture implanting apparatus 1000 isadvanced from an outside of a body through a transapical approach into aleft ventricle of a heart.

In detail, referring to FIG. 33 , after a transapical puncture, thedistal end of the suture implanting apparatus 1000 is advanced throughthe apex into the left ventricle until the distal clamp 1310 and theproximal clamp 1320 are both located in a left atrium.

Step S2: each leaflet of a heart valve is held with the distal end ofthe suture implanting apparatus 1000.

In detail, the capturing rod 1330 is pushed to separate the distal clamp1310 from the proximal clamp 1320 and clamp each leaflet of the mitralvalve. During the pushing of the capturing rod 1330 to separate thedistal clamp 1310 from the proximal clamp 1320 and clamping the leaflet,the gripping auxiliary assembly 1500 is pushed to support the leafletfor assistance.

In detail, referring to FIG. 34 , the pushing shaft 1210 is withdrawn tothe proximal end or the capturing rod 1330 is pushed to the distal end,so that the proximal clamp 1320 is separated from the distal clamp 1310,and the fourth handle 1501 is pushed to the distal end, the fourthhandle 1501 drives the gripping arm 1520 to push the gripping member1510 out from the opening 1260. At this time, the gripping member 1510is supported on the lower surface of the leaflet to stable the beatingleaflet (as shown in FIG. 13 b ), the relative position between thefirst handle 1201, the second handle 1301 and the fourth handle 1501 iskept unchanged, and the entire suture implanting apparatus 1000 isslowly moved to the proximal end until the leaflet enters the spaceformed between the proximal clamp 1320 and the distal clamp 1310, andthe gripping member 1510 can provide some support to the leaflet.Referring to FIG. 35 , the distal end of the suture implanting apparatus1000 is slightly moved until the edge of the leaflet contacts thecapturing rod 1330. At this time, the second handle 1301 is withdrawntoward the proximal end, and the distal clamp 1310 is driven to theproximal clamp 1320 until the two are closed, and the leaflet isclamped.

Alternatively, the position of the leaflet is positioned by X-rays priorto clamping the leaflet, and then the leaflet is held using the proximalclamp 1320 and the distal clamp 1310.

Step S3 (optionally): the current clamping state of the leaflet isdetected. When it is detected that the current clamping state of theleaflet is an effective clamping state, the process proceeds to step S5,otherwise, the process proceeds to step S4.

In detail, the probe 1610 is used to detect the current clamping stateof the leaflet. When the probe 1610 detects that the current clampingstate of the leaflet is the effective clamping state, the processproceeds to step S5, otherwise, the process proceeds to step S4.

Furthermore, the position of the first handle 1201 is kept unchanged,the fifth handle 1601 is pushed toward the distal end, and the probe1610 is moved along the axial direction of the pushing shaft 1210 towardthe distal end to detect the current clamping state of the leaflet.

Step S4 (optionally): the clamping position that the leaflet held by thesuture implanting apparatus 1000 is re-adjusted, and the currentclamping state of the leaflet is detected again to determine whether thecurrent clamping state of the leaflet is an effective clamping state, ifyes, the process proceeds to step S5, otherwise, the process continuesto step S4.

In detail, when the current clamping state of the leaflet is detected asthe ineffective clamping state, that is, the leaflet does not completelycover the probe outlet 1321 on the clamping surface of the proximalclamp 1320, the distal end of the probe 1610 may protrude from the probeoutlet 1321 and enter the probe receiving cavity 1312 of the distalclamp 1310. The position between the distal clamp 1310 and the proximalclamp 1320 is adjusted such that there is a certain distancetherebetween, and the relative position between the capturing rod 1330and the leaflet is adjusted, and the leaflet is clamped by the distalclamp 1310 and the proximal clamp 1320 again. The probe 1610 is used todetect the current clamping state of the leaflet until the probe 1610detects that the current clamping state of the leaflet is the effectiveclamping state, that is, the leaflet completely covers the probe outlet1321 on the clamping surface of the proximal clamp 1320, the distal endof the probe 1610 cannot protrude from the probe outlet 1321 and enterthe probe receiving cavity 1312 of the distal clamp 1310, and proceedsto step S5, otherwise, the step continues to step S4.

During the adjustment process, since the gripping auxiliary assembly1500 under the leaflet has a certain supporting effect on the leaflet,the leaflet can be prevented from slipping out of the capturing assembly1300, that is, slipping out between the distal clamp 1310 and theproximal clamp 1320.

Step S5: the suture 3000 is implanted into the leaflet.

In detail, the puncturing rod 1420 is driven to drive the puncturingneedle 1410 to puncture the leaflet, and is then coupled with the fixingmember 3010 of the suture 3000, and the puncturing rod 1420 is withdrawnto drive the fixing member 3010 and the sutures 3000 to pass through theleaflet, so as to implant the sutures 3000 into the leaflet.

Optionally, the heart valve repair method further includes:

When the puncturing rod 1420 is withdrawn to drive the fixing member3010 and the sutures 3000 through the leaflet, the anti-slip member 3020does not pass through the leaflet and the contact surface 3021 of theanti-slip member 3020 fits the upper surface of the leaflet.

In detail, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 , the third handle 1401 is pushedtoward the distal end, and the puncturing needle 1410 is driven to movetoward the distal end until the puncturing needle 1410 passes throughthe leaflet and forms a fixed connection with the fixing member 3010 ofthe suture 3000. Referring to FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 , the third handle1401 is withdrawn, so that the puncturing needle 1410 drives the fixingmember 3010 of the suture 3000 and the suture 3000 coupled with thefixing member 3010 through the leaflet in turn, and the anti-slip member1130 is also pulled out from the clamping surface of the distal clamp1310, the contact surface of the anti-slip member 1130 is in contactwith the upper surface of the leaflet, and a part of the suture 3000presses against the upper surface of the anti-slip member 1130 to fitthe leaflet. At this time, the point contact between the suture 3000 andthe leaflet is changed to the surface contact between the anti-slipmember 1130 and the leaflet, which can effectively reduce the risk ofleaflet tearing.

Step S6: the distal end of the suture implanting apparatus 1000 iswithdrawn from the body.

In detail, the third handle 1401 is continuously withdrawn until thefixing member 3010 is withdrawn from the proximal end of the pushingshaft 1210, and then the fourth handle 1501 is withdrawn, the grippingmember 1510 is withdrawn to the gripping arm receiving space 1250, andthe entire suture implanting apparatus 1000 is withdrawn, so as tocomplete to implant the suture 3000 on one leaflet of the mitral valve.

Optionally, when performing the chordae repair, the method furthercomprises the steps of: adjusting the length of the sutures 3000remaining in the heart, and fixing the proximal end of the sutures 3000to the ventricular wall or the papillary muscle.

Step S7: the operations of steps S1 to S6 are repeated, the other sideleaflet of the heart valve is held with the distal end of the sutureimplanting apparatus 1000, and at least the other suture 3000 isimplanted into the other side leaflet.

Step S8: the distal end of the suture locking apparatus 2000 is advancedfrom the outside of the body through the transapical approach into theleft ventricle.

In detail, referring to FIG. 40 , a plurality of sutures 3000 on bothleaflets are inserted into the lock pin 21000 of the suture lockingapparatus 2000 b in vitro, and the proximal ends of the sutures 3000 arepassed through the suture outlet 22300 on the distal end of the outertube 22000 (as shown in FIG. 41 ), the sutures 3000 on the anteriorleaflet and posterior leaflet are distinguished, the proximal ends ofthe two sets of sutures 3000 are wrapped on a cable tie 24100 forseveral turns, and then the proximal end of the sutures 3000 are fixedon the cable tie 24100 to maintain the relative position between thesutures 3000 and the lock pin 21000.

The distal end of the suture locking apparatus 2000 b is advancedthrough the apex into the heart, is driven to move closer to the leafletof the mitral valve, and the sutures 3000 are pulled until the distalend of the suture locking apparatus 2000 b reaches a predeterminedposition under the mitral valve. It can be understood that after thesutures 3000 are passed through the suture outlet 22300, the distal endof the suture locking apparatus 2000 b is first pushed into the heartthrough the apex, and moved toward the leaflet of the mitral valve (asshown in FIG. 42 ), and then the sutures 3000 are fixed on the cable tie24100.

Step S9 (optionally): the relative position of the plurality of sutures3000 is adjusted by the suture locking apparatus 2000 b.

In detail, the plurality of sutures 3000 correspondingly implanted intodifferent leaflets are inserted into the lock pin 21000 of the suturelocking apparatus 2000 b in vitro, and the relative position between theplurality of sutures 3000 and the lock pin 21000 is adjusted. And, whenadjusting the relative position between the plurality of sutures 3000and the lock pin 21000, the state of the valve regurgitation isdetermined to be a slightest state or complete elimination by a medicalimaging device such as medical ultrasound equipment, and when theslightest state or complete elimination is reached, the relativeposition between the plurality of sutures 3000 and the lock pin 21000are maintained.

In detail, the plurality of sutures 3000 correspondingly implanted ondifferent leaflets are inserted into the lock pin 21000 in vitro and theadjusting mechanism 24000 adjusts the relative position between theplurality of sutures 3000 and the lock pin 21000. After the lock pin21000 is crimped by the crimping assembly 26000 and the lock pin 21000is deformed to lock the plurality of sutures 3000 in the correspondingleft ventricle. And, when the relative position between the plurality ofsutures 3000 and the lock pin 21000 is adjusted by the adjustingmechanism 24000, the state of the valve regurgitation is determined tobe the slightest state or complete elimination by the medical imagingdevice such as medical ultrasound equipment, and when the slighteststate or complete elimination is reached, the relative positions betweenthe plurality of sutures 3000 and the lock pin 21000 are maintained, andthe lock pin 21000 is pressed by the crimping assembly 26000 and thelock pin 21000 is deformed to lock the plurality of sutures 3000 in acorresponding place of the left ventricle.

More specifically, two adjustment knobs 24500 are respectively rotatedto drive the two lead screws 24300 to rotate, thereby driving the cabletie 24100 coupled to the lead screw 24300 to move back and forth in theaxial direction of the adjustment guideway 24200 to respectively adjusttwo sets of sutures 3000 coupled to the cable tie 24100 to determine theslightest state or complete elimination of the valve regurgitation byultrasound. When the slightest state or complete elimination is reached,the rotation of the adjustment knob 24500 is stopped, and the tension ofthe two sets of sutures 3000 can be maintained, that is, the relativedistance of the leaflets between the two sides of the mitral valve ismaintained.

Step S10: the plurality of sutures 3000 are locked in the left ventriclewith the distal end of the suture locking apparatus 2000 b.

In detail, as shown in FIG. 31 , FIG. 32 and FIG. 43 , the fixingportion 23100 of the handle 23000 is kept stationary, and the movableportion 23200 is moved to the fixing portion 23100 until the movableportion 23200 cannot continue to move. At this time, the mandrel 25000and the crimping rod 26200 are opposed to the outer tube 22000 movingtoward the distal end, the distal end of the crimping rod 26200continues to squeeze the crimping clamp 26100 so that the upper clampingpiece 26110 and the bottom clamping piece 26120 of the crimping clamp26100 are close together, and the lock pin 21000 between the upperclamping piece 26110 and the bottom clamping piece 26120 is presseduntil the lock pin 21000 is deformed, the sutures 3000 in the lock pin21000 are fixed together, and the deformed lock pin 21000 is releasedfrom the suture inlet 22200 of the distal end of the outer tube 22000 ofthe suture locking apparatus 2000 b.

Step S11: the distal end of the suture locking apparatus 2000 b iswithdrawn from the body.

After the plurality of sutures 3000 are locked in the left ventriclethrough the lock pin 21000, the lock pin 21000 is left in the leftventricle, and the distal end of the suture locking apparatus 2000 iswithdrawn from the body, and the proximal ends of the sutures 3000locked by the lock pin 21000 are fixed on the ventricular wall or thepapillary muscle (as shown in FIG. 44 ), and the anterior leaflet 1010and the posterior leaflet 1020 of the mitral valve form a double orificestructure to complete the edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (also calledAlfieri stitch).

It can be understood that, in this step, after the plurality of sutures3000 are locked in the left ventricle through the lock pin 21000, thelock pin 21000 may be left in the left ventricle. The distal end of thesuture locking apparatus 2000 b is withdrawn from the body, and theproximal ends of the sutures 3000 locked by the lock pin 21000 are cutoff from the proximal end of the lock pin 21000 (as shown in FIG. 45 ).

It will be appreciated that the heart valve repair method of otherembodiments of the present disclosure can also be used to reduce ortreat the “tricuspid regurgitation” of the right ventricle, ie, thethree leaflets of the tricuspid valve to the right ventricle by sutureimplanting apparatus, one or more sutures are implanted respectively,and the sutures on the three leaflets are fixed together by the suturelocking apparatus, thereby reducing or avoiding “tricuspidregurgitation”. The principle and structure of the heart valve repairmethod for solving the mitral regurgitation in the embodiment of thepresent disclosure are basically the same, and will not be describedherein. It will be appreciated that the heart valve repair method ofother embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to otherminimally invasive surgical procedures that require suture implantationinto several sheet-like tissues and fixation of the suture,respectively.

In summary, the heart valve repair method of the present disclosurefirst implants multiple sutures on each leaflet of the mitral valve ortricuspid valve, and then fixes the multiple sutures together by thesuture locking apparatus to reduce or eliminate the gap between themitral/tricuspid valve for the treatment of mitral regurgitation ortricuspid regurgitation, simple surgical procedure, low surgical cost,low patient trauma, low risk of complications, and rapid recovery. Inaddition, the operator can adjust the tightening or loosening of thesutures before fixing the suture, thereby adjusting the gap between theleaflets of the mitral or tricuspid valve, and observing theregurgitation of the mitral or tricuspid valve through the medicalimaging device. When the state of the regurgitation is reached to theslightest state or complete elimination, the lock pin fixes the sutures,thereby realizing the adjustable function of the mitral or tricuspidregurgitation.

The above is a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and itshould be noted that those skilled in the art may make some improvementsand modifications without departing from the principle of the presentdisclosure, and these improvements and modifications are also theprotection scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A heart valve repair method, applied to a heartvalve repair system, the heart valve repair system comprising aplurality of sutures, a suture implanting apparatus, and a suturelocking apparatus; the heart valve repair method comprising: advancing adistal end of the suture implanting apparatus from an outside of a bodythrough a transapical approach into a left ventricle or a rightventricle of a heart; holding each leaflet of a heart valve with thedistal end of the suture implanting apparatus, and implanting at leastone suture into the leaflet; withdrawing the distal end of the sutureimplanting apparatus from the body; advancing a distal end of the suturelocking apparatus from the outside of the body through the transapicalapproach into the corresponding left ventricle or the correspondingright ventricle; using the distal end of the suture locking apparatus tolock the plurality of sutures in the corresponding left ventricle or thecorresponding right ventricle; and withdrawing the distal end of thesuture locking apparatus from the body.
 2. The heart valve repair methodaccording to claim 1, wherein “holding each leaflet of a heart valvewith the distal end of the suture implanting apparatus, and implantingat least one suture into the leaflet” is: detecting a current clampingstate of the leaflet when the leaflet of the heart valve is held by thedistal end of the suture implanting apparatus; and implanting the sutureinto the leaflet when it is detected that the current clamping state ofthe leaflet is an effective clamping state.
 3. The heart valve repairmethod according to claim 2, wherein the heart valve repair methodfurther comprises: re-adjusting a clamping position of the leaflet heldby the suture implanting apparatus when detecting that the currentclamping state of the leaflet is an ineffective clamping state;detecting the current clamping state of the leaflet again; andimplanting the suture into the leaflet until it is detected that thecurrent clamping state of the leaflet is the effective clamping state.4. The heart valve repair method according to claim 3, wherein the heartvalve repair method further comprises: auxiliary supporting the leafletto prevent the leaflet from slipping out of the suture implantingapparatus in the process of re-adjusting the clamping position of theleaflet.
 5. The heart valve repair method according to claim 1, whereinthe “using the distal end of the suture locking apparatus to lock theplurality of sutures in the corresponding left ventricle or thecorresponding right ventricle” comprises: using the distal end of thesuture locking apparatus to lock the plurality of sutures in thecorresponding left ventricle or the corresponding right ventricle afteradjusting a relative position of the plurality of sutures using thesuture locking apparatus.
 6. The heart valve repair method according toclaim 5, wherein the suture locking apparatus comprises a lock pin, theheart valve repair method further comprises: inserting the plurality ofsutures implanted into different leaflets into the lock pin in vitro;using the distal end of the suture locking apparatus to lock theplurality of sutures in the corresponding left ventricle or thecorresponding right ventricle after adjusting the relative positionbetween the plurality of sutures and the lock pin using the suturelocking apparatus.
 7. The heart valve repair method according to claim6, wherein the heart valve repair method further comprises: determininga state of valve regurgitation through a medical imaging device whenadjusting the relative position between the plurality of sutures and thelock pin; and maintaining the relative position between the plurality ofsutures and the lock pin when reaching a slightest state orregurgitation elimination; and locking the plurality of sutures in thelock pin.
 8. The heart valve repair method according to claim 7, whereinthe heart valve repair method further comprises: leaving the lock pin inthe corresponding left ventricle or the corresponding right ventricle,withdrawing the distal end of the suture locking apparatus from thebody, and cutting off free proximal ends of the sutures after theplurality of sutures are locked in the corresponding left ventricle orthe corresponding right ventricle by the lock pin; or, leaving the lockpin in the corresponding left ventricle or the corresponding rightventricle, withdrawing the distal end of the suture locking apparatusfrom the body s after the plurality of sutures are locked in thecorresponding left ventricle or the corresponding right ventricle by thelock pin, and fixing the proximal ends of the sutures to a ventricularwall or a papillary muscle.